Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balance

[kingsgrove]

Hi there.
I'm currently on the look out for an oval pink sapphire. The intention is to have it as a central stone surrounded by two diamonds, for an engagement ring.
I'm trying to steer away from the hot pink colored stones, but haven't had a whole lot of luck (two that I liked sold before I got a chance to act).
This morning however I stumbled on something that was classified as reddish pink. I didn't like the idea of reddish pink at first, but now I think I prefer it over the purple shade I've seen most other stones have (then they have a medium colour intensity etc).

This will be a silly question to some, but I was wondering how surrounding stones effect the color and brilliance of stones this color? It will have a platinum or white gold setting, and surrounded by two diamonds (possible pear shaped). I've seen some light colored stones become a little washed out depending on the setting and skin tone of the wearer.
Basically I'm just hoping to get some basic feedback at this point. I've been frantically reading old threads on the forum, but to be honest it's quite overwhelming.

Thanks for the help

 

[sunflower100]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

gorgeous sapphire...

 

[chrono]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

"White" diamonds serve as contrast to the coloured gemstone, thereby helping enhance their appearance and colour. They also serve as complementary sidestones for paler coloured gemstones as well.

However, personally, metal choice will vary depending on the stone. When a stone is very well saturated, it doesn't matter what metal colour is used. For very dark stones, yellow gold is usually recommended to lessen the contrast. The same goes with stones that are grayish and/or in the warm range (purple, pink, orange).

White metals are best for strongly coloured stones of all colours and stones in the cool range (blue, green).

For the example stone you showed, it will look best in yellow gold to amp up the colour and play down the gray. The sapphire is not a shocking pink (this is what you prefer?) and shows a good amount of gray/steeliness. What bothers me most, however, is the gaping window in the center where the light is not reflected back to the eye. It "leaks" right through the stone allowing you to see through it much like a window, where it is mostly devoid of colour.

 

[chel180]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

is this pink sapphire for you or to gift someone else? If its for you then it only really matters if you love it.

 

[T L]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

I have found that stones which are not very saturated tend to look best in yellow or rose gold. The stone above to me is an orangy pink. I don't like white gold that much because unless the stone is very saturated, it tends to bring out grey or brown in the gem. There are some exceptions of course, but for me, that is my general observation.

As someone that loves a lot of bling, I find diamonds always enhance a gem, and do not take away from it unless it's some awful ugly color, like olive brown.

 

[kenny]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

I don't know your budget or the size of that lovely sapphire but diamonds of a soft, powdery baby blue would look nice.
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/5204.htm

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Thank you for all of your input. It's a great help.
It can be hard to know how finished products will look with no personal experience to really draw from.

The sapphire is not a shocking pink (this is what you prefer?) and shows a good amount of gray/steeliness. What bothers me most, however, is the gaping window in the center where the light is not reflected back to the eye. It "leaks" right through the stone allowing you to see through it much like a window, where it is mostly devoid of colour.

I do agree with you. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of this sapphire specifically as the window and grey cast you mentioned.

I do prefer a red-pink over a purple-pink sapphire, however ideally want something with a lighter colour intensity. I've actually found it difficult finding good untreated oval sapphires In general at the moment. There's not a whole lot of choice around.

@kenny, that's an interesting idea. Never thought about a blue'ish diamond with the sapphire. Would definitely be unique and I think potentially work quite well.

Seems as though I'm off to continue my search of sapphires now. Hopefully some new ones pop up soon!

 

[kenny]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

By your thread title I thought you were asking for opinions of which color of side diamonds would compliment that sapphire.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

By your thread title I thought you were asking for opinions of which color of side diamonds would compliment that sapphire.

Hi Kenny, well yes and no (sorry). I'm looking for a sapphire with this sort of red-pink colour tone, but more lively and absent of any large windows. This was the only one I could really find so far and used it as an example. I'm still on the lookout for better quality stones even if the colour shade will be slightly different.
I'm also looking for some general "rules" with colour balance and setting colour etc.
Was a two pronged question in a way. I probably should of made that more clear in the original post though sorry.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

I just wanted to say that I would certainly set a pink sapphire with diamond side stones in platinum. I think it would be beautiful!

In fact....

http://www.23rdstreetjewelers.com/aCatItem.aspx

 

[chrono]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Is your heart set on only untreated sapphires? It must also be an oval? What about approximate carat weight or mm size? This will help PSers know what to look out for.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Hi there. Thanks again.

I am open to some different shapes. Oval is preference but would also consider cushion or even round if needed.
Size would be around 2 carat.
It's for a special occasion so would prefer an untreated stone and am prepared to wait a little while if needed.

Appreciate the input everyone

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Hi everyone. Found a sapphire last night that I like the look of. I quite like the colour. But something about it seems a little wrong though (to my untrained eye). Was hoping to get some feedback from the forum.
Thanks again

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Big improvement! This one is more saturated with slight violet (and orange?) hints. I like the number of facets, the shape and the color. But you can see that the cutting is wonky. It appears bigger at one end than the other, the pavilion looks off center, and I'm not sure, but it looks like there is a chip (or natural?) on the girdle edge at the bottom of the second photo. For me, this would come down to what it looks like IRL and whether I could accept its imperfections for its price.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Big improvement! This one is more saturated with slight violet (and orange?) hints. I like the number of facets, the shape and the color. But you can see that the cutting is wonky. It appears bigger at one end than the other, the pavilion looks off center, and I'm not sure, but it looks like there is a chip (or natural?) on the girdle edge at the bottom of the second photo. For me, this would come down to what it looks like IRL and whether I could accept its imperfections for its price.

Thanks for your input
Yeah, the cutting really doesn't sit right with me. Sure things can't always be absolutely perfect, but I think the "wonkyness" would be noticeable in many settings. It's a shame as I like just about every other aspect of it. Back to the drawing board it seems!

 

[chrono]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Is this colour too "hot"? It's a radiant though and also under the 2 ct mark.
http://www.africagems.com/pink-sapphiregem-ic-sa-762.html

Gemfix has a few unheated sapphires around the 2 ct mark.
http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_pink.html

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Hi Chrono, thanks for those leads.
The first is a little too "hot" yes.
I was looking at #429 and #426 on that second link. Both colours are nice, but I might be moving more towards #429. Although the physical shape and dimensions of #426 might suit better.
Are they both pretty equal to the trained eye? Just a preference in colour that separates them?
Think the inclusions detract from the appearance of the stones too much?

Spotted this stone on another site today. I like everything about it but the price (double the price of the stones on gemfix). It's also a tad over 2 carat which is unfortunate. Wish is was just under.


Also saw this which I really like (very nice clarity), however it has a wonky cut. Not sure how it'd look set in a ring, if it'd be very obvious or not. http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Pink/P2460/Oval/stoneid=P2460

Just stumbled on this. Different to what I was looking for, but quite interesting. Don't think the shape is right, plus the colour is just a tad too purple on screen. http://www.africagems.com/oval-pink-sapphire-g2k-2370.html

 

[T L]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Hi Chrono, thanks for those leads.
The first is a little too "hot" yes.
I was looking at #429 and #426 on that second link. Both colours are nice, but I might be moving more towards #429. Although the physical shape and dimensions of #426 might suit better.
Are they both pretty equal to the trained eye? Just a preference in colour that separates them?
Think the inclusions detract from the appearance of the stones too much?

Spotted this stone on another site today. I like everything about it but the price (double the price of the stones on gemfix). It's also a tad over 2 carat which is unfortunate. Wish is was just under.


Also saw this which I really like (very nice clarity), however it has a wonky cut. Not sure how it'd look set in a ring, if it'd be very obvious or not. http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Pink/P2460/Oval/stoneid=P2460

Just stumbled on this. Different to what I was looking for, but quite interesting. Don't think the shape is right, plus the colour is just a tad too purple on screen. http://www.africagems.com/oval-pink-sapphire-g2k-2370.html

You can find spinels the color of the above photo that are untreated, and far less expensive in a one carat size. Just a thought.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

You can find spinels the color of the above photo that are untreated, and far less expensive in a one carat size. Just a thought.

Hi TL. Yes I've seen some lovely spinels. I liked them. However due to a number of reasons (including sentimental), I need to find a pink sapphire instead.

Thanks again.

 

[chrono]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Both 426 and 429 are excellent candidates. For me, I would pick 426 because the colour is more saturated but since you prefer a paler pink, 429 might be the better choice for you. The only reason 426 costs more per carat than 429 is due to the richness of colour. The paler the colour, the less expensive the stone. I expect both stones to be eye clean, as is the standard for coloured gemstone clarity grading. When stones are magnified to that degree, most will show some hints of inclusions. You can always ask the vendor to be 100% sure.

In terms of shape, actually, 429 is much closer in dimensions to a calibrated size (custom setting not required) than 426. 429 is a more standard oval while 426 is a very fat oval.

If you do a review on NSC, you will see a mix of reviews, with most coming in the not-recommended camp. Their pricing is very high and have been suspect and accused of photoshopping. Not only that, they have verbally attacked their customers here on PS, which is a poor sign of customer service. Please read and form your own opinion.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Hi Chrono, thanks for the input. Very much appreciated.

I spotted this early this morning. Not sure what to think of it. The colour seems interesting and the cut not too bad. Keen on hearing opinion from anyone with a more experienced eye though http://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/10928/15389
I imagine it'd look pretty clean to the eye? It's a tiny bit smaller than I wanted originally, but could suit a new setting I'm heading towards.
Think that certificate is worth anything, or is it still bit of a gamble?

Cheers

 

[chrono]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Quite pricey for a 1 carat stone. Cut isn't bad overall but it still warrants some thinking:
1. I see small zones of extinction (black bands) that make a cross pattern across the crown of the oval.
2. Teeny tiny window can be ignored. Will probably not be noticeable to all once set.
3. Lab is trustworthy.
4. Not sure why the memo describes it as puple when it doesn't look like the primary colour in all 3 pictures.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Thanks again for the help Chrono (and everyone else).
My search still continues it seems. Been looking around at stores and found some other I like for different reasons.
So far I only have top photos, will be getting side on shots soon. Just wanted to get a general impression from more experienced eyes than mine. I think I can see slight windows, and the cuts don't seem to be perfect. Wonder how much it'd be noticeable when set.
I quite like the different colours for different reasons.

lighter lavender colour and cushion type cut



deeper colour with a more oval cut

 

[minousbijoux]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

I love the delicate (but bright) color of the first. i also like the shape and the many facets it has. That window would be history once set. The stone looks like a spinel, in that it almost seems to be throwing off sparks of different colors...

 

[chel180]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

That cushion is an interesting color and very pretty. I don't like the oval tho- the color is too harsh. That said who knows what either will look like irl.

 

[Pandora II]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

If you want an untreated stone, your chances of getting a precision cut as well will drop significantly. Some of the producer countries have very strict laws prohibiting the export of rough in order to protect the local industry and jobs. Therefore there is very little available in terms of rough for Western cutters - generally it's a case of recutting a stone with added costs and risks involved - asking for unheated on top is a BIG ask.

You can get fabulous cuts in origin countries but you will need to search hard for them.

Personally I find it's very easy to get hung up on imperfections in photographs that you would never see with the naked eye and at real life dimensions. I've been really shocked when I've photographed my own stones on occasion to see things I'd never noticed till the picture was 100 times the size of the real thing.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I'm cursed though, the vendor has decided they don't send extra photos of stones anymore, so I can't get anymore images of the cushion above. They won't give me any more specific info either so I think that's bit of a warning sign.

If anyone comes across a lighter/pastel pink cushion with very good clarity(like the one above), please let me know! The ring is essentially desinged now (hence why I ideally need a cushion around 1.5 carat, 2 max).
Thanks for the help

 

[chrono]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

I love the delicate (but bright) color of the first. i also like the shape and the many facets it has. That window would be history once set. The stone looks like a spinel, in that it almost seems to be throwing off sparks of different colors...

Ditto the above. Remember that even though you have the added constraint of size, go by the measurements and not carat weight because depending on the cut, a shallow stone will face up bigger and a deep stone will face up smaller.

 

[kingsgrove]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

You're right, that's a good point Chrono.
I've been looking for something in the 7x7mm region (give or take a little).

Cheers

 

[Starzin]

Re: Newbie needs help with sapphire and diamond colour balan

You might also look through Planetary Gems http://www.planetarygems.com/rare gemstones3.htm Unfortunately I can't seem to isolate the pink ones so there's a few pages to look through.

ETA: Oops! Seems those last two you posted may have come from there